With the launch of the latest Pikmin game, you might be looking for a few different titles that can offer some similar aspects to give a try once you’re finished with Pikmin 4. Luckily, there are plenty of different games that have similarities in a variety of ways, while still offering unique experiences, especially if you like to diversify your gaming options.
Everyone knows that the core gameplay of the Pikmin series is to take control of the titular creatures in order to solve a variety of puzzles. This means that puzzle games are a great choice to try, but there is so much more if you’re looking for a steeper challenge.
10 Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope
If you’re looking for a strategy game that gives you a bit more action while still maintaining that classic Nintendo style, Mario + Rabbids: Sparks Of Hope should catch your eye. It’s one of the strangest crossovers that the world truly never knew it needed, and it’s amazing.
The game requires you to implement some basic strategy while making it through battles, allowing the game to mostly match the easy difficulty of Pikmin 4. That makes the game perfect for a kid, but it’s just as enjoyable for someone of any age.
9 Tinykin
If you’re a massive fan of the Pikmin series then you might already love Tinykin. This simple little indie game was practically an instant smash hit, making it a colorful and unique game to try out even if it is a different gameplay style from Pikmin.
Rather than having to put on your strategy cap, you’ll be platforming around in order to collect the Tinykin. This is a fairly friendly game for any age as there really aren’t too many ways you can be in immense danger.
8 Minecraft Legends
You may enjoy the real-time aspect of Pikmin 4 but still crave a bit more action, and that’s where Minecraft Legends comes in. You probably already know about Minecraft, but this game acts as more of a multiplayer dungeon-crawler instead of an open-world game.
While that may not sound so close to Pikmin 4, this game is a great choice because it features colorful worlds, action that requires strategy, and it’s great to play with a couple of friends. There’s a surprising amount to dig into with this game, so it may be worth your next playthrough.
7 Fire Emblem Engage
If you enjoy the strategy aspect of Pikmin 4 above everything else, then you may be interested in diving into the Fire Emblem series. Presenting a bit more of a mature fantasy tale (at least, in comparison to Pikmin 4), Fire Emblem Engage requires you to think about each and every move you make.
You won’t find nearly as many colorful creatures in this game, but you will find a diverse army with unique personalities. Commanding your army may be even better in your eyes thanks to your ability to connect with those taking your orders.
6 Worms W.M.D.
People who love Pikmin are sure to love the cartoonish action from the Worms series. Worms W.M.D. lets you control a team of worms as you battle it out with other worms which, while simple, allows for a ton of fun and lots of strategy.
The cartoonish nature of the game and the many weapons you can use makes the action suitable for most age groups as well. This is a great choice for a Pikmin player who craves a bit more action along with strategy, while still being able to play with some friends.
5 Lemmings
Lemmings is one of the all-time classic games of the puzzle-strategy genre. This game might just be the thing you have to thank for the existence of the Pikmin series due to all the striking similarities despite the difference of eras.
This old puzzle game will provide you with plenty of challenges as you struggle to get the titular Lemmings to the end of each stage. It can be far trickier than you think, but those with a love of classic games will want to give this one a try.
4 XCOM 2
If you feel the way many people do, you might think that Pikmin 4 is a tad too easy. If that’s the case, you should give the brutally difficult XCOM 2 a try for your next strategy fix. It is another game that is more turn-based than real-time, but despite all the time in the world to think, you will struggle with this sci-fi epic.
You do have to be interested in a darker take on alien creatures than the Pikmin series offers, and there is much more violence, but this is a great pick if you’re looking to expand your taste in games. This game is even better if you’ve been craving a serious challenge for quite some time.
3 Masters Of Anima
Unlike many others on this list, Masters Of Anima is actually an RTS game that Pikmin fans will love. You control the Shaper magician Otto in order to combat Zahr, and you’ll have to learn to utilize his magic to control smaller companions.
The game should feel familiar to Pikmin thanks to the similar gameplay loop, but you do get a more fantasy-oriented story to enjoy. If fantasy is a bigger priority for you than sci-fi but you love everything Pikmin does, Masters Of Anima is a great option.
2 Kirby And The Forgotten Land
You will get a vastly different gameplay experience out of Kirby And The Forgotten Land, but if the draw of Pikmin 4 for you is cute characters, relaxing gameplay, and that old Nintendo charm, you should give it a try.
The whole experience is a 3D platformer, but there are some similar aspects when you consider that Kirby has to save all those Waddle Dees. There are lots of powers to give a try for little Kirby, and you’ll probably have a blast from start to finish even if it is a lot more dynamic than Pikmin 4.
1 Overlord 2
If you’re a fan of fantasy and RPGs, Overlord 2 might be a great substitute for the Pikmin series. Strategy is toned down quite a bit here, but you do get a similar gameplay cycle thanks to the Minions that are under your control.
This is a bit more of a grown-up and action-oriented take on the Pikmin formula, but fans of the series will still find the experience fulfilling. It is a bit tougher than a standard Pikmin game, but that might be a good thing for you.